PPS hands cell death case over to Manitoba

After a year of secrecy, the victim gets a name: Corey Rogers

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service says a conflict of interest prevents it from providing legal advice to the Serious Incident Response Team regarding the death of Corey Rogers, 41.

This is the first official identification of Rogers since his death in a Halifax police cell on June 16, 2016. The delay constituted a level of secrecy that is unacceptable in a democracy.

Rogers, of Spryfield, had been arrested for pubic intoxication but not charged. He was well-regarded by people who posted on his Facebook page.

The PPS says it has asked its counterpart in Manitoba

Corey Rogers

to provide advice to SiRT Director Ronald J. MacDonald on whether a criminal prosecution is warranted. It’s my belief that MacDonald has wanted a prosecution since early this year, but hit a roadblock with the PPS.

From the news release: “As we examined the material being gathered by SIRT, it became apparent the prosecution service was in conflict,” said Martin Herschorn, director of public prosecutions. “To avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict, the involvement of another prosecution service is necessary to ensure public confidence in the PPS and in the administration of justice.”

You can find the full PPS news release here and in the text box below.

You can find my most recent post on this story here. For all six previous posts on Corey Rogers, click on the “CR” category at the bottom of this page.

Public Prosecution Service Calling in Manitoba to Advise SIRT Investigation

Public Prosecution Service
July 5, 2017 2:21 PM

The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has asked the Manitoba Prosecution Service to provide legal advice to the Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) on its ongoing investigation into a 2016 death in Halifax Regional Police cells.
On June 16, 2016, Corey Rogers, 41, was found unresponsive in a police cell at 1:45 a.m. Emergency Heath Services were called but Mr. Rogers could not be revived. SIRT was then called in to investigate.
The Public Prosecution Service provides legal advice to any police agency during an investigation, when requested.
“As we examined the material being gathered by SIRT, it became apparent the prosecution service was in conflict,” said Martin Herschorn, director of public prosecutions. “To avoid any conflict of interest or appearance of conflict, the involvement of another prosecution service is necessary to ensure public confidence in the PPS and in the administration of justice.”
The Manitoba Crown has agreed to advise SIRT as it moves forward with its investigation and will prosecute any criminal charges that may result.
It is common practice for prosecution services across Canada to help each other in conflict cases. Currently, for example, Nova Scotia Crown attorneys are dealing with matters in Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service has asked the
Manitoba Prosecution Service to provide legal advice to the Nova
Scotia Serious Incident Response Team as it investigates a 2016
death in Halifax Regional Police cells.
On June 16th, 2016, 41-year-old Corey Rogers was found
unresponsive in a police cell at 1:45 a.m. Emergency Health
Services were called but, when resuscitation efforts were
unsuccessful, SIRT was called in to investigate.
Martin Herschorn, director of public prosecutions, says
that as the Crown examined the material being gathered by SIRT,
it became apparent the Nova Scotia Public Prosecution Service
was in conflict. He says the involvement of another prosecution
service was necessary to avoid a conflict of interest or any
appearance of conflict.
The Manitoba Crown will advise SIRT as the investigation
progresses and will prosecute any criminal charges which may
result.
It is common practice for prosecution services across
Canada to help each other in conflict cases.
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Media Contact: Chris Hansen
902-424-2225
Cell: 902-430-5529
Email: Chris.hansen@novascotia.ca